Variable exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

A variable exercise apparatus is provided which enables the user to exercise lower body muscle groups. The apparatus includes a frame structure means, a user support means having a seat, and a user engagement means. The back end of the user engagement means is pivotally mounted to the frame structure means. An engagement assembly is mounted to the front end of the user engagement means via an assembly support, with the assembly support capable of moving in the upward and downward directions. The lower end of the assembly support is connected by a wheel member to a guide member, which is mounted on the frame structure means. To normally operate the device, the user sits in the seat and pushes against the engagement assembly, with the general thigh portion of the leg, in either the downward, upward, and/or side directions. The wheel member will follow the contour of the guide member. Pushing against the engagement assembly in the upward or downward direction will normally cause the user engagement means to pivot about the frame structure, while pushing the user engaging members in the side directions will normally create upward or downward movement in the user engaging assembly. The amount of upward and downward movement in the engagement assembly will vary with the contour of the guide member. Optional items for the user support means include a back support member and handle members. A resistance means may also be part of the apparatus for providing resistance to rotation of the user engagement means and the upward and downward movement of the assembly support. Another optional items is a motor means, which may be used to provide automatic rotation of the user engagement means and automatic movement of the assembly support in the upward and downward directions. In an alternate configuration, the seat of the may mount to the user engagement means, and pivot in conjunction with the user engagement means.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to a variable exercise apparatus which hasan upright structure that allows the user to perform pivoting exerciseroutines while in a seated position. This feature allows for a betterlower body workout than provided by more conventional lower bodyexercise devices.

SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0002] It is the object of this invention to provide an exerciseapparatus which may provide the user a well balanced lower body exerciseroutine. The main purpose of this application is to demonstrate anapparatus which performs the stated function, and to demonstrate themany options and configurations the apparatus may take on.

[0003] Briefly stated, the apparatus that forms the basis of the presentinvention comprises a frame structure means, a user support means, and auser engagement means. The user support means and the user engagementmeans are mounted upon the frame structure means. Optional items includea back support member and handle members associated with the usersupport means. Also, an optional resistance means may be supported bythe frame means and operatively connect to the user engagement means. Amotor means may also be an optional item supported by the framestructure means and used to produce an automatic pivoting motion in theuser engagement means.

[0004] The design of the apparatus is such that the user engagementmeans is moveable in a pivoting pattern about the frame structure means.An assembly support member, which is part of the user engagement meansis free to move in the upward and downward directions. The lower portionof the assembly support member follows the contour of a guide member,which is mounted on the frame structure means. Therefore as the assemblysupport member moves in an upward or downward direction, as determinedby the varying contour of the guide member, the user engagement meanspivots about the frame structure means.

[0005] Other objects, features, and advantages for this invention willbe apparent from the following detailed description and the appendedclaims, references being made to the accompanying drawings forming apart of the specification, wherein like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts of the several views.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006]FIG. 1A is a side view of the variable exercise apparatus.

[0007]FIG. 1B is a front view of the variable exercise apparatus.

[0008]FIG. 1C is a top view of the variable exercise apparatus.

[0009]FIG. 2A is a side view of the frame structure means of thevariable exercise apparatus.

[0010]FIG. 2B is a front view of the frame structure means of thevariable exercise apparatus,

[0011]FIG. 2C is a top view of the frame structure means of the variableexercise apparatus.

[0012]FIG. 3A is a side view of the user support means of the variableexercise apparatus.

[0013]FIG. 3B is a front view of the user support means of the variableexercise apparatus.

[0014]FIG. 3C is a top view of the user support means of the variableexercise apparatus.

[0015]FIG. 4A is a side view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus.

[0016]FIG. 4B is a front view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus.

[0017]FIG. 4C is a top view of the user engagement means of the variableexercise apparatus.

[0018]FIG. 4D is a side view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus showing an optional foot support member.

[0019]FIG. 4E is a front view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus showing an optional foot support member.

[0020]FIG. 4F is a front view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus demonstrating additional engagement members.

[0021]FIG. 4G is a side view of the user engagement means of thevariable exercise apparatus with the seat mounted to the user engagementmeans so that it pivots in conjunction with the user engagement means.

[0022]FIG. 5A is a side view of the variable exercise apparatusdemonstrating one type of contour of the frame structure means, alsoshowing how the contour moves the an engagement assembly in the upwardand downward directions as the user engagement means rotates about theframe structure means.

[0023]FIG. 5B is a side view of the variable exercise apparatusdemonstrating a second type of contour of the frame structure means,also showing how the contour moves an engagement assembly in the upwardand downward directions as the user engagement means rotates about theframe structure means.

[0024]FIG. 5C is a side view of the variable exercise apparatusdemonstrating a third type of contour of the frame structure means, alsoshowing how the contour moves an engagement assembly in the upward anddownward directions as the user engagement means rotates about the framestructure means.

[0025]FIG. 6 is a top view of a resistance means which may be part ofthe variable exercise apparatus.

[0026]FIG. 7 is a top view of a motor means which may be part of thevariable exercise apparatus.

[0027]FIG. 8 is a top view of the variable exercise apparatusdemonstrating an adjustable user support means.

[0028]FIG. 9 is a top view of the variable exercise apparartusdemonstrating an adjustable guide member.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0029] Before explaining in detail the present invention, it is to beunderstood that the invention is not limited in its application to thedetails of construction or arrangement of parts illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, since the invention is capable of otherembodiments and of being practiced or carried out in various ways. Also,it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology employedherein is for the purpose of description, and not limitation.

[0030] As best can be seen by references to the drawings, and inparticular to FIGS. 1A-1C, the variable exercise apparatus that formsthe basis of the present invention is designated generally by thereference numeral 1, and includes a frame structure means 10, a usersupport means 20, and a user engagement means 30. The user support means20 and the user engagement means are mounted on frame structure means10.

[0031] As may be seen in FIGS. 2A-2C, the user support means 10comprises a seat member 11 mounted on user support structure 14.Optional back support member 12 and optional handle members 13 may alsomount to user support structure 14. The device is normally operated bythe user while in a seated position.

[0032] As may also be seen in FIGS. 3A-3C, the frame structure means 20comprises a base 21, a support member 22 having openings 24, a stopcomponent 25, and a guide member 23. The seat support structure 14 ofseat means 10 mounts to the support member 22 through openings 24 andopenings 15 via a bolt or pin.

[0033] As may be seen in FIGS. 4A-4C, the user engagement means 30 iscomprised of engagement assembly 33 mounted to the upper part ofassembly support member 32. Assembly support member 32 is mounted toguide element 36 of engagement support structure 31. Assembly guideelement 36 guides assembly support member 32 in the upward and downwarddirections. Engagement support structure 31 also has coupling member 37,which pivots the user engagement means 30 about the support member 22 offrame structure means 20. This allows engagement support structure 31 torotate about support member 37. The stop component 25 of frame structuremeans 20 keeps engagement support structure 31 from moving down alongsupport member 22. At the bottom of assembly support member 22 is wheelmember 34, which is used to connect assembly support member 32 with theguide member 23 of frame structure means 20. There are many ways tocouple the assembly support member to the frame structure member, withthe demonstrated wheel member coupled to the guide member being justone. Other ways include grooved rollers mounted on the end of theassembly support and rolling along a curved round bar mounted on theframe. Another is a type of bearing mounted on the end of the assemblysupport and coupled to a curved guide rail mounted on the frame. Thereare several other commonly known ways to do this, but the wheel memberand guide member shown are probably the easiest, but are meant only asdemonstration.

[0034]FIGS. 4D and 4E demonstrate an optional foot support member 38which may mount upon assembly support member 32. The user may engage thefoot support member with their feet, pushing downward, which may alsocreate pivoting motion in the user engagement means 30. Or, the user mayuse the foot support member 38 just to rest their feet while engagingthe engagement members with the general thigh portion of the legs. FIG.4F demonstrates additional engagement members 35, which add versatilityto the device.

[0035] It would also be possible to mount the seat to the engagementsupport member as shown in FIG. 4G. In this instance, the seat wouldpivot with the engagement suppoort member.

[0036] FIGS. 5A-5D demonstrates how movement of the wheel member 34 ofuser engagement means 30 along the guide member 23 causes upward anddownward movement of assembly support member 32, and vice versa. As maybe seen in these and some of the other figures, rotation of userengagement means 30 about support member 22 may be accomplished indifferent ways. The most obvious way is by pushing against engagementassembly 33 and/or 35 in a generally horizontal direction. Another wayis by pushing against the engagement assembly 33 and/or 35 in agenerally vertical direction, while the wheel member 34 is in contactwith the guide member 23 at an inclined contour. The guide member 23 mayhave different contours, “U” or “V” shaped, flat, inverted “U” or “V”shaped, etc., which may be used to produce different pivoting movementof the user engagement means and/or different upward and downwardmovement of the assembly support member. This movement occurrs as wheelmember 34 moves along the contour of the guide member 23. The user maypush in both the genral horizontal and general vertical directions atthe same time.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 5A, when the user pushes against the engagementassembly in a downward direction, while the wheel member 34 is in theshown position, the assembly support member 32 will move downward, andthe wheel member 34 will traverse down the incline. This causes the userengagement means to pivot towards the left. When the user pushes againstthe engagement assembly in the upward direction, the assembly supportmember will move upward, and the wheel member will traverse up theincline. This causes the user engagement means to pivot towards theright. Alternately, if the user pushes against the engagement assemblyin the right side direction, the user engagement means will pivottowards the right, which will cause the assembly support member 32 tomove upward. If the user pushes against the user engaging assembly inthe left side direction, the user engagement means will pivot towardsthe left, which will cause the assembly support member 32 to movedownward.

[0038]FIG. 5B demonstrates a motion different from that of FIG. 5A. Whenthe user pushes against the engagement assembly in a downward direction,while the wheel member 34 is in the shown position, the assembly supportmember 32 will move downward, and the wheel member 34 will traverse downthe incline. This causes the user engagement means to pivot towards theright. When the user pushes against the engagement assembly in theupward direction, the assembly support member will move upward, and thewheel member will traverse up the incline. This causes the userengagement means to pivot towards the left. Alternately, if the userpushes against the engagement assembly in the right side direction, theuser engagement means will pivot towards the right, which will cause theassembly support member 32 to move downward. If the user pushes againstthe user engaging assembly in the left side direction, the userengagement means will pivot towards the left, which will cause theassembly support member 32 to move upward.

[0039]FIG. 5C demonstrates a section of the guide member in which thecontour is relatively flat. In this instance, the wheel member 34 isconstrained so that assembly support member 32 cannnot move in theupward and downward directions. Therefore the user may push against theengagement assembly only in the right and left side directions toproduce the respective pivoting movement of the user engagement means.

[0040] As mentioned previously, varying contours in the guide means willproduce varying motion in the assembly support member and the userengagement means. A section of the guide member may have a contour withan inverted “U” or “V” shape, as may be seen in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Themovement of the assembly support member and the user engagement meanswould be somewhat opposite of the movement generated by the upright “U”or “V” shaped interval shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. There are many otherinterval contours which may be developed, including a combintation ofthose described, which are mostly for demnostration purposes. Theability to have different contours greatly enhances the potential of theapparatus. The wheel assembly may also have a protective convering toprohibit object from interferring with its motion.

[0041]FIG. 6 demonstrates an optional resistance means 40 which may bepart of the apparatus. The resistance means 40 may be a conventionaltype of resistance component, such as magnetic or electro-magneticdevices, which are very common in the fitness industry. It will connectto the user engagement means in a common manner, such as through a chain42 and sprocket 43. Others methods of connection include a belt andpulley assembly, gear assembly, etc. In any case, the resistance means40 will provide a resistance to the turning of the user engagement meansabout the support member of the frame structure. The resistance willalso be applied to the upward and downward movement of the engagingsupport member. This depends upon the position of the wheel member withrespect to the possible varying contours of the guide member. Aprotective cover, may be included for covering the assembly whichconnects the user engagement means and the resistance component. Thismay be utilized to keep objects from interferring with the operation ofthe assembly.

[0042]FIG. 7 demonstrates an optional motor means 50 which may also bepart of the apparatus. The motor means may consist of a motor 51 havinga crank member 52 rigidly mounted to its shaft. The user engagementmeans may have a rocker member 54 rigidly mounted to it. A couplermember 53 may be used to connect the crank member 52 and the rockermember 54, with the points of connection being pivotable. Thus, as themotor shaft rotates in a circular motion, the crank member 52 willrotate accordingly, causing the rocker member 54 to rock back and forth.This is a convetional type of rocker-crank mechanism very common in theindustry. Therefore circular rotation of the motor shaft will produceback and forth rotation of the user engagement means about framestructure means, and upward and downward movement of the assemblysupport member. The degree at which the user engagement means will turnback and forth may be adjusted by connecting the coupler member 53 tothe rocker member 54 at different points along its length. A protectivecover may be included for covering the linkage assembly which connectsthe user engagement means and the motor. This may be utilized to keepobjects from interferring with the operation of the assembly.

[0043] The user may also be able to configure the apparatus for adesired exercise motion, concentrating on specific lower body musclegroups. As shown previously, the guide member mounted to the framestructure means may have different contours at different intervals. Asexample, one interval of the guide member may have a “U” or “V” shapedcontour, another interval may have an inverted “U” or “V” shapedcontour, while still another interval may have a flat contour. The usermay position and secure the user support structure to the support memberof the frame structure means at the desired interval, as shown in FIG.8, so that the desired contour is positioned in front of the seat. Theuser support structure may be secured thorugh a securing means, such asa bolt or pin. The user would pivot the user engagement means back andforth along that particular interval, thus concentrating on those lowerbody muscles groups required to perform this routine. Alternately, theuser support structure could remain where it normally is, and the guidemember positioned and secured at the desired interval, as shown in FIG.9, so that the desired contour is in front of the user supportstructure. Again, the guide member may be secured to the base of theframe structure means through some type of securing means, such as abolt or pin. This would have the same effect as moving and securing theuser support structure at different intervals.

[0044] Many variations of the variable exercise apparatus exist, alongwith the configurations described above. While it will be apparent thatthe preferred embodiment of the invention herein disclosed is wellcalculated to fulfill the objects above stated, it will be appreciatedthat the invention is susceptible to modification, variation, and changewithout departing from the proper scope or fair meaning of the subjoinedclaims.

I claim:
 1. A variable exercise apparatus comprising: a frame structuremeans having a guide member mounted thereon; a user support meansmounted on said frame structure means, said user support means includinga seat; a user engagement means comprising an engagement supportstructure pivotally mounted at one end to said frame structure means; anassembly support member coupled to the opposite end of said engagementsupport structure such that said assembly support member may move in thegeneral upward and downward directions, with the upper end of saidassembly support member having an engagement assembly mounted thereon,and the lower end of said assembly support member coupled to said guidemember of said frame structure means; whereby a user may sit on saidseat of said user support means, engage said engagement assembly withthe general thigh portion of the leg, so that the user may pivot saiduser engagement means in either the right or left directions, and maymove said assembly support member in the upward and downward directions.2. A variable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1, said framestructure means further comprising: a base, said guide means mounted tosaid base; a support member mounted to said base, said support memberextending in the general upward direction, said user support meansmounted to said support member.
 3. A variable exercise apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, said user support means further comprising a usersupport structure, said seat mounted on said seat support structure,said seat support structure mounted to said support member of said framestructure means; and a back support member and handle members mounted tosaid user support structure.
 4. A variable exercise apparatus as claimedin claim 1 said user engagement means further comprising a wheel membermounted to the lower end of said assembly support member, said wheelmember used to couple said assembly support member to said guide memberof said frame structure means.
 5. A variable exercise apparatus asclaimed in claim 2, said guide member of said frame structure meanshaving varying contours, so that the pivoting movement of saidengagement support structure around said support member of said framestructure means may produce upward and downward movement of saidengagement assembly, and that upward and downward movement of saidengagement assembly may produce pivoting movement of said engagementsupport structure around said support member of said frame structuremeans.
 6. A variable exercise apparartus as claimed in claim 1 furthercomprising a resistance means operatively connected to said userengagement means for providing resistance to pivoting movement of saidengagement support structure around said support member of said framestructure means, and also provide resistance to the upward and downwardmovement of said assembly support member.
 7. A variable exerciseapparatus as claimed in claim 1 further comprising a motor meansoperatively conected to said user engagement means for providingautomatic rotation in said engagement support structure around saidsupport member of said frame structure means, and also provide automaticupward and downward movement of said assembly support member.
 8. Avariable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 3, said user supportstructure being positionable and securable at different locations aroundsaid support member of said frame strcutre means.
 9. A variable exerciseapparartus as claimed in claim 2, said guide member being positionableand securable at different locations on said base of said framestructure means.
 10. A variable exercise apparatus comprising: a framestructure means having a guide member mounted thereon; a user engagementmeans comprising an engagement support structure pivotally mounted atone end to said frame structure means; an assembly support membercoupled to the opposite end of said engagement support structure suchthat said assembly support member may move in the general upward anddownward directions, with the upper end of said assembly support memberhaving an engagement assembly mounted thereon, and the lower end of saidassembly support member coupled to said guide member of said framestructure means; a seat mounted on said engagement support structure;whereby a user may sit on said seat, engage said engagement assemblywith the general thigh portion of the leg, so that said user may pivotsaid user engagement means in either the right or left directions, andalso move said assembly support member in the upward and downwarddirections.
 11. A variable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10,said frame structure means further comprising: a base, said guide meansmounted to said base; a support member mounted to said base, saidsupport member extending in the general upward direction.
 12. A variableexercise apparatus as claimed in claim 10 further comprising a usersupport means; said user support means comprising a user supportstructure mounted to said support member of said frame structure means;and a back support member and handle members mounted to said usersupport structure.
 13. A variable exercise apparatus as claimed in claim10 said user engagement means further comprising a wheel member mountedto the lower end of said assembly support member, said wheel member usedto couple said assembly support member to said guide member of saidframe structure means.
 14. A variable exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 11, said guide member of said frame structure means having varyingcontours, so that the pivoting movement of said engagement supportstructure around said support member of said frame structure means mayproduce upward and downward movement of said engagement assembly, andthat upward and downward movement of said engagement assembly mayproduce pivoting movement of said engagement support structure aroundsaid support member of said frame structure means.
 15. A variableexercise apparartus as claimed in claim 10 further comprising aresistance means operatively connected to said user engagement means forproviding resistance to pivoting movement of said engagement supportstructure around said support member of said frame structure means, andalso provide resistance to the upward and downward movement of saidassembly support member.
 16. A variable exercise apparatus as claimed inclaim 10 further comprising a motor means operatively conected to saiduser engagement means for providing automatic rotation in saidengagement support structure around said support member of said framestructure means, and also provide automatic upward and downward movementof said assembly support member.
 17. A variable exercise apparatus asclaimed in claim 12, said user support structure being positionable andsecurable at different locations around said support member of saidframe structre means.
 18. A variable exercise apparartus as claimed inclaim 11, said guide member being positionable and securable atdifferent locations on said base of said frame structure means.